If you’ve ever witnessed a dog fight, it’s frightening and to be avoided at all costs. And it happens so easily, purely by missing the signals that dogs give each other.
When I held dog obedience classes, I always started with getting dogs to approach each other in a safe manner. The first rule of law is never to imagine that any two dogs will be best buddies initially, if at all. I asked owners and their dogs to form a circle. Then each owner slowly and separately walked an inner circle stopping in front of each dog but a short distance from him. If the dog was relaxed at doing this, I suggested that he move slightly closer to the one opposite him. And both owners needed to stay alert to any reactions. It was amazing to see how clearly each dog communicated his feelings. Some started jumping up wanting to make contact and play. Others backed away, growled or generally showed misgivings at being brought closer into the other dog’s personal space. If the reactions were in any way hostile or could be misinterpreted, the owner and dog in the inner circle took a step back and kept doing so until both dogs resumed a relaxed demeanour. That meant that either or both dogs no longer felt intimidated by a perceived invasion of his personal space.
I have taught this passive interaction for home visits too using my own dog, Saffron. She would sit in the car at a fully open window while the dog with ‘meeting and greeting’ issues slowly advanced literally one step at a time. He’d be continually rewarded when relaxed and, if bothered at approaching the car and Saffron, he would be withdrawn to a position that was comfortable before being asked to resume his approach.
This technique instils trust between owner and dog. The dog learns his owner will always listen to him and take action to reduce any stress that could exacerbate any given situation. Once your dog knows you’re listening, he begins to reciprocate, listening to you at all times. But once stress sets in, there’s no longer a meeting of minds.
There are a few obvious pointers to make introductions a less stressful event. You need to know your dog and to understand what motivates him. Many dogs are territorial. Therefore, to present another dog, especially on home ground without due care, is like lighting a tinder box. Once lit, it’s very hard to put out.
Any dog, no matter his character, needs to be introduced on neutral ground but especially if you are trying to bring a new dog into your home. If your dog is a dominant type, introducing another dog with the same characteristic will be a disaster. Choosing a dog of the opposite sex is a good place to start.
Both dogs arrive at a neutral venue. You need to be calm around your own dog, studiously ignoring the newcomer’s arrival. A brisk walk together with both dogs on the outside and the two of you in the middle is advised. Don’t allow any advance into the other’s personal space. Keep observing the signals, and you’ll know if the dogs begin to relax when they start sniffing, taking stock of their surroundings, or pee and poop without feeling vulnerable at the other’s proximity.
If you sit down, ensure that you keep the distance. Watch carefully. Does one dog turn away completely from the other? Or does one keep eyeing the other suspiciously? Can they relax enough to lie down and close their eyes? Or does every slight movement produce an over-alert reaction from the other dog?
You’ll need to repeat the walk a few times to allow them to be comfortable in the other’s company. Even if your dog isn’t confrontational or territorial, you must still be careful. Any adverse reaction will have a negative effect on your dog for future introductions.
Never allow dogs to sniff each other for too long. Dogs get the full picture of each other with just a couple of sniffs. Staying close can produce an adverse reaction. Stand back and allow the dogs to process the information. Then see if THEY want to pursue the possibility of friendship. If not, respect their wishes.
Some dogs dislike hyperactive ones. Having had Boxers all my life and knowing their excitability, I fully understand this. And I will introduce Saffron to other dogs very carefully for her sake. However, I also know that she’s friendly. She will offer play bows to some dogs if they reciprocate. But, more importantly, she will lie down to others, giving a firm signal that she’s no threat.
However, it’s up to us owners to protect our own pets. So while I’m watching Saffron, I’m concentrating fully on the other dog. If I read a threat, I always call Saffron in close to me and stand quietly beside her in case she needs help. That way we work as a team and the mutual trust remains in place.